By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Want to beat the heat of an expensive university education? Just dual!
Each spring, hundreds of Phoenix area high school students celebrate a huge milestone – earning a college certificate or degree BEFORE receiving their high school diplomas!
This academic feat is possible thanks to dual enrollment classes from Rio Salado College.
Through dual enrollment, high school students can earn both high school and college credit for eligible classes. Many students earn enough credits for an associate degree, meaning they can begin a university bachelor’s degree program as at least a sophom*ore!
Cool Reasons to Dual
Earn college credits from the first and largest dual enrollment program in the state.
- Save money – Tuition at Rio Salado is a fraction of the cost of universities
- Scholarships available – For eligible students, based on financial need
- Save time - Finish college earlier than many of your peers
- Accredited – Rio Salado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Get a head start on college - Credits transfer to the in-state university of your choice and many out-of-state colleges and universities
One of Rio Salado College’s dual enrollment high school partners is Heritage Academy.
“We enjoy our partnership with Rio Salado,” said Jared Taylor, CEO of Heritage Academy. “Because of our strong dual enrollment program, our graduates are not burdened with heavy student debt and are able to become more productive citizens in a shorter time frame.”
What Our Dual Students Say
Alondra Ordonez,2024 Heritage Academy Laveen and Rio Salado College graduate
“Dual enrollment interested me because I could complete my first two years of college at the same time as my high school diploma. My degrees from Rio have allowed me to have ambitious goals, such as achieving my master’s without adding additional years of education.”
Read Alondra’s story here.
Alivia Proctor,2024 Mountain Pointe High School and Rio Salado College graduate
“I have always wished to achieve something bigger. I wanted to see how far I could go in earning college credits while I was in high school. I never realized how important this program was until my department head told me I would be starting university as a sophom*ore.”
Read Alivia’s story here.
Tegan Bernard,2023 Mountain Ridge High School and Rio Salado College graduate
“I took dual enrollment classes because I wanted to get ahead. Once I got to around 30 credits, I decided to take on a heavier course load and work toward an associate degree. Dual enrollment classes are a huge help in getting ahead. I will finish my bachelor's degree early, work on master’s degree quicker, and enter the job force even faster.”
Read Tegan’s story here.
Dual Enrollment 101: What You Need to Know
Dual enrollment courses are offered at participating high schools. Courses are taught at the high school by qualified teachers using a college-level curriculum. Students earn both high school and college credit for eligible dual enrollment courses.
Who is eligible to take dual enrollment courses?
Dual enrollment students must meet college admission requirements and any prerequisite criteria for the course.
What high schools participate in dual enrollment?
Rio Salado partners with 50+ high schools in the greater Phoenix area to offer dual enrollment at their locations. Visit ourParticipating High Schoolspage to learn more.
What classes/courses will be available to students?
Available courses vary by location. Click on aparticipating high schoolto see a course list. Note: Some lists may still be in the process of being updated for the upcoming school year.
Do dual enrollment credits transfer to universities?
Rio Salado College dual enrollment credits transfer to Arizona public colleges and universities as listed in the AZTransfer Course Equivalency Guide tool. Many other colleges and universities accept dual enrollment credit as it is regionally accredited college credit.
What are the tuition and fees for dual enrollment?
Dual enrollment students pay the same tuition rate assessed for all Maricopa Community College courses. This is a significant savings over private and out-of-state colleges, and about one-third the cost of comparable in-state university courses. In addition, tuition assistance is available based on financial need.
What if my high school isn’t in the dual program?
If your school isn’t in the dual program, you may have the option of Concurrent Enrollment available. Concurrent enrollment offers you access to online general education classes and provides a pathway toward earning an associate degree while you’re still in high school.
Who do I contact for more information?
Contact Rio Salado’s Dual Enrollment Department at (480) 517-8080 orDual.Enrollment@riosalado.edu.
